A fifth grader at Cypress Christian School won the first place title at the Regional ACSI District Spelling Bee.

Allison Strange competed in two different spelling bees, earning a gold medal for the best in the fifth grade bee and a plaque for the best in the "Spelloff" for all fifth through eighth grade contestants, who won first or second place.

As the District Champion, she is qualified to participate in the Dallas Spelling Bee.

OTHER NEWS: Students excel in 'You Be the Chemist' Challenge

The "You Be the Chemist" Challenge is a fun and innovative academic competition sponsored by EXPO Chemical Company that engages students in learning about important chemistry concepts, scientific discoveries, and laboratory safety. CCS middle school students took the challenge and came out on top. The following students placed in the the School Qualifier Challenge:

• 1st place - Amber Dingman received a trophy and $100 savings bond.

• 2nd place - Lizzie Gwyn received a trophy and a $75 savings bond

• 3rd place - Vynna Chitolie received a trophy and a $50 savings bond and

• 4th place - Kory Yankowski received a trophy and $25 gift card

First and second place winners, Amber and Lizzie, qualified to compete at the Houston Local Challenge. Winners from this challenge will compete at the State Competition to be held at the Museum of Natural Science. To learn more: www.chemed.org.